Reseda lutea
wild mignonette
Europe, North Africa, and western Asia
Overview
Reseda lutea is an upright biennial or short-lived perennial herb growing 30-75 cm (12-30 in) tall, with branched, ribbed stems rising from a stout taproot. The deeply pinnate leaves are 5-12 cm (2-4.7 in) long, divided into narrow, wavy-edged segments, and form a basal rosette in the first year. From the second year it carries dense, conical spikes of small yellow-green flowers, each with six narrow petals deeply cut into finger-like lobes. The flowers open from the base of the spike upward over several weeks and are followed by upright, three-lobed seed capsules that remain open at the top. It grows on dry, calcareous, disturbed ground such as roadsides, quarries, field margins, and waste places. The plant tolerates poor, stony, alkaline soils and drought but is short-lived and depends on regular self-seeding to persist. Its loose, branching form gives an open rather than solid presence in planting.
Native Range
Reseda lutea is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, and is most frequent on calcareous soils across central and southern Europe. It has naturalised widely in North America and other temperate regions as a plant of disturbed ground. It ranges from coastal sites to low mountains.Suggested Uses
Reseda lutea is grown in wildflower meadows, gravel gardens, and naturalistic plantings on dry, calcareous soil, where it supports bees and other pollinators. It suits low-fertility sites that challenge many garden plants. It is used in conservation seed mixes for chalk grassland.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'6"
Width/Spread10" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from June to September, the small yellow-green flowers opening progressively up each conical spike. Bees and other insects visit for nectar and pollen. Seed capsules form below the flowers and release small seed as they ripen from late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight